Hickman Mills School Board directors approve $3.4 million in budget cuts, including the elimination of some jobs.

The school district said 47 teaching jobs, four central office and four building administrator positions will be cut.

Advertisement

The district blamed a "significant shortfall" in federal, state and local funding for the 2012-2013 school year as the reason. It will be the third straight year that the district has had to make cuts.

"Quite simply, (there's) no money," said district spokesman John Baccala. "When the gravy train dries up, there's just nothing you can do."

"Obviously, these are decisions we wish we didn't have to make," Board President Bonnaye Mims said in a news release. "But ultimately, we have to take into consideration the projected budget for the 2012-13 school year and figure out a way to make it work with minimal disruption in the classroom."

Officials said that the number of positions being eliminated could be less depending on retirement and other factors, but the district thought perhaps 25 teachers would have to be let go.

"I think that's the last thing they should do, cut teachers," said parent Rachel Miller. "I know it's tough, but they have to protect the schools."

The district has regained full accreditation and its performance is improving, especially at the grade school level.

Missouri lawmakers keep adding money to the state spending plan, but it can't keep up with the growing cost of running schools. The low home values in the district are also limiting the amount of money the district has to work with.

Some people have suggested communities start passing the hat for money.

"Lend a helping hand for supplies, and the things teachers are now paying out of their own pocket for students, supplies and stuff like that," said parent Bethany New.

Some Democrats in the Missouri Legislature suggest one way to raise more money for schools is to raise the state's cigarette tax, currently the lowest in the nation.